According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Center for Disease Control, each year, nearly 1,000 people die from injuries caused by bicycle crashes, and 550,000 are treated in emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries. Head injuries account for 62 percent of bicycle-related deaths, for 33 percent of bicycle-related emergency rooms visits, and 67 percent of bicycle-related hospital admissions.

Bicycles ultimately are associated with more childhood injuries than any other consumer product except the automobile. Children must be taught to ride defensively and to wear bicycle helmets because:

• 85 percent of all head or brain injuries could be avoided if cyclists wore helmets

• 85 percent of all bicycle crashes occur less than one mile away from home

• 60 percent of all bicycle crashes occur in driveways and on sidewalks

• 80 percent of all deaths to children on bicycles include riding into a street without stopping, running a stop sign, and riding against the flow of traffic.

• A bicycle helmet is a necessity, not an accessory. No matter what your age, wear a bicycle helmet every time you ride, and make sure you wear it correctly. A bicycle helmet should fit comfortably and snugly but not too tightly. It should sit on top of your head in a level position. It should not rock forward and back or from side to side. The helmet straps must always be buckled.

• If you have been in a crash and your helmet has been hit, don’t use it again.

• Small cracks can weaken the shell and the foam can be crushed. Be sure to purchase a helmet that is certified to meet or exceed the safety standards developed by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

• Learn the rules of the road, and obey all traffic laws. Ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic, not against it. Use appropriate hand signals to indicate your intentions. Observe all traffic signals, including stopping at all stop signs and stoplights. Also, make sure to stop and look all ways before entering a street. Ride single file when riding with others, and walk your bike across busy roads and intersections. Finally, avoid riding at night if you can. If you must ride after sunset, be sure to add reflective accessories to you and your bike.

• Adult supervision is essential until a child exhibits the correct traffic safety skills and sound judgment.

Return to online archive list.